Vitamins & Minerals

The body needs many different vitamins and minerals to work properly. Therefore, the more varied you make your diet, the more likely you are to get all the nutrients your body needs. Different seafood has a variety of different nutrients. So why not try some of the different fish and seafood Young’s has to offer…

Iron

Seafood is a great source of vitamins A, D, E and the B vitamins.

Iron is an important mineral that helps to make red blood cells which transport the oxygen around the body. A lack of iron in the body can cause you to feel weak and tired. Seafood generally contains less iron than red meat. However, the iron in white fish is well absorbed making this a good choice, and shellfish contains as much iron as some lean meat.

Calcium

There is more calcium in the body than any other mineral and it has many important functions. These include helping to build strong bones and teeth and ensuring that blood clots normally. Small fish like sardines contain small bones that can be eaten, and are a very rich source of calcium.

Selenium

Seafood is a particularly good source of selenium, which plays an important role in our immune system’s function and reproduction. It also helps prevent damage to cells and tissues.

Iodine

Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, which control many of the body’s processes. Iodine is also needed for energy metabolism, so a lack of iodine can make you feel lethargic. Seafood is one of the few reliable sources of iodine, and can often provide a significant proportion of your recommended daily intake.

Zinc

Zinc has several important functions within the body, it helps the body to make new cells; it helps the body to process carbohydrate, fats and proteins in food and it helps with the healing of wounds. High protein foods such as meat and fish contain the highest amount of Zinc. Oysters provide more zinc than any other food. Other types of seafood that provide a significant amount of zinc include skate, anchovies, herring, sardines, crab, prawns, shrimps, mussels, and winkles.

Vitamins

There are lots of different types of vitamins that help the body in many different ways.

Vitamin A helps the immune system to work against infections and also helps to aid vision in dim light and to keep skin healthy.

Vitamin D helps the body to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body – and is essential for bone health.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, which protects cell membranes, helping to maintain healthy skin and eyes and strengthening the immune system.

B vitamins help to break down and release energy from food and help to maintain healthy skin and eyes.

Seafood is a great source of vitamins A, D, E and the B vitamins. Oily fish is a better source of fat soluble vitamins (A, D and E) and is also the best natural source of vitamin D, which is not found in many foods.